Hernando deSoto Historical Society

2008 Tournament Photos		12th Annual DE SOTO FISHING TOURNAMENT presented by Americom JULY 11 – 13, 2008 Download and View the 2008 Score Sheet

WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT

I am happy to welcome you, on behalf of the Hernando de Soto Historical Society to the many events of the 69th De Soto Heritage Festival.

We are proud to be a part of the history and heritage of our community. It is our museum that keeps alive the historical significance of Hernando de Soto landing on our shores in 1539. From the shores of Shaw’s Point he began his exploration of southeastern United States.

We not only sponsor the Festival and its fun events, we are involved in education, annual visiting and lecturing at local area schools and community organizations. Last year we also contributed almost $60,000 to local charities from The Society, The Conquistador Foundation and The De Soto Crewe.

Over 225 of our members, applicants and volunteers work committee hours to make the events of the De Soto Heritage Festival occur. This is all voluntary time spent. So we hope you enjoy the SeaFood Fest, Bottleboat Regatta, Musical/Fashion Show, Children’s Parade, Grand Parade and other fun events.

We would like to thank our general sponsors for this year’s Festival; AutoWay Ford of Bradenton, Bay News 9, Bradenton Herald, Bright House Networks, Budweiser, and SunTrust Bank. Their generous donations speak to their commitment to the community and our heritage.

Please join us and let the fun begin!
Ole!

Jeff Nance
President, Hernando de Soto Historical Society

HISTORY

Don Hernando De Soto was born around 1500 in the Province of Estremadura, Spain.

As a boy in his teens he served and trained under some of the foremost Conquistadors of the time. At a very young age, as a result of his bravery and leadership, De Soto was appointed to the rank of Captain.

In 1537, after serving in Nicaragua and Peru, King Charles I of Spain presented De Soto with a charter to conquer the land of Florida in the

ABOUT US

The Hernando De Soto Historical Society, Inc., is a not-for-profit, community organization of 225 Conquistadors (volunteer members) who celebrate the historical significance of Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto’s landing near the mouth of the Manatee River in May 1539. With his 600 Conquistadors, De Soto claimed possession of La Florida on behalf of the Spanish crown and then began his lengthy exploration of what is now the southeastern United States.